The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to regulate and pre-screen gambling-related advertisements across all media platforms.

The agreement was formalized at PAGCOR’s corporate office in Pasay City after nine months of consultations between the two agencies.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and ASC Chairperson Golda Roldan led the signing, which adds gambling to ASC’s list of “must-screen” ad categories. These include alcohol, over-the-counter medicines, food supplements, promotional transport services, and breast milk substitutes.

“Almost a year ago, we began initial talks about this initiative. Today, we are gathered here to formally sign this agreement so that we can immediately execute everything we committed to in this Memorandum of Understanding,” Tengco said.

He added that the initiative was not a rushed reaction to recent issues regarding illegal online gambling and unregulated advertising. “Simple lamang po ang pinaka-layunin natin dito: ang tiyakin na ang mga patalastas ukol sa sugal ay hindi nanlilinlang at hindi sumasamantala sa kahinaan ng iba,” he said.

Under the MOU, all branded or corporate gambling advertisements — whether on television, radio, digital, or outdoor media — must be reviewed and approved by the ASC before being released to the public. The move aims to curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups.

“We stand with PAGCOR in our shared goal of protecting the Filipino people, especially in sectors like gambling where communication requires greater sensitivity and care,” Roldan said.

Earlier this month, PAGCOR ordered the removal of all gambling-related billboards and advertisements from public transport systems such as buses, jeepneys, taxis, and trains. Licensees and stakeholders have until August 15 to comply.